A low-income housing subdivision is currently under construction at the intersection of Highway 6 and Washington Street. These housing units will range in price and size but will all fall under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Glendale subdivision is being built by David Strange of Rowanoak Development, LLC, based in Jackson, MS. Originally slated to be built on St. Maurice Lane almost two years ago, homeowners in the area spoke out about their concerns and its proximity to three nearby schools: M.R. Weaver Elementary School, East Natchitoches Elementary and St. Mary’s School.

Opponents of this subdivision called it “urban creep and decay,” saying that people who live in the neighborhood should take a driving tour around low-income housing areas and contemplate whether they wanted such a development in their vicinity. Eventually, the Planning and Zoning Committee unanimously rejected the proposal to construct the subdivision on St. Maurice Lane.

While some people may associate low-income housing with crime, being dirty and bringing the property value down, this is simply not a fact. This association is a form of racism, whether or not the people who believe it will admit it. Individuals from various racial backgrounds, age groups and income levels can apply for and reside in low-income housing. It is hoped that the people who judge low-income houses never have to end up in a predicament where they would need to apply, since they are so against people receiving help from the government, especially during times of high inflation.

At the Housing Authority of the City of Natchitoches, residents can apply for Section 8 housing and low-rent housing and can receive assistance in getting an emergency housing voucher or a housing choice voucher. There are different requirements for each program, but they are all federally funded to help people with lower incomes. For example, to qualify for Section 8, you must be below a certain income which varies based on the number of people in their household.

For a family of one you must be below an annual income of $32,700. For a family of four, your annual income would have to be under $46,700. If you apply and meet these requirements, a background check will be run on all members of your household, with disqualifications for anyone with sexual or drug offenses, you will be disqualified. If anyone in your household is elderly or disabled, you receive higher priority. These are only a few of the strict requirements for Section 8 housing that are utilized to keep the residents safe.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, found on the Natchitoches Parish government census website, the average household income in Natchitoches Parish in 2021 was only $33,965. This amount is relatively close to the limit for household income to qualify for Section 8 housing, meaning that most median households in Natchitoches Parish would qualify, and benefit from financial housing help.

The development of this subdivision will provide much-needed support to many families and students who require financial assistance. The houses will have one-year leases, and hopefully will help mitigate the escalating rental costs in other parts of Natchitoches. With the rising prices of food, gas and everything else, a little bit of help can save someone from becoming homeless. While the finish date for the subdivision is unknown, lots of progress can be seen, and big things are coming to Natchitoches.